Tested two new loads

[dwalker460]

Tested two new loads over the weekend.

First-
Hornady 55gr V-Max
Hodgon CFE-223, 25 gr
LC 08 brass
Federal Match Small Rifle primer

Second
Nosler Competition 77GR hpbt
Hodgon CFE-223 23.5gr
LC 08 brass
Federal Match Small Rifle primer

AR-15 platform
Wilson custom 16" std profile barrel, 1-8 twist
Aredondo Comp
Simmons 4-16 Scope
Std trigger

The 55gr VMax over the CFE-223 is a great load, produced sub-MOA groups at 100yds with many rounds finding the same hole. No chance to test expansion. Also did not have a chrono with me so no idea how fast they were traveling, although Hogdons data gives around 3100fps for this load. Only issue I can see is they will likely not be happy in higher wind beyond 200yds, but no chance to confirm this.

The 77gr Nosler is awesome. My buddy shooting a similar load using Varget instead of CFE was putting bullet after bullet into the same hole at 100yds with the suppressor mounted. My loads were probably as good, but I opened up to about 3/4inch or so at 100. That was most likely my doing, as I was shooting a standard trigger and not a Timney. Still pretty darned impressive. Will continue to work the loads up, as I am about in the middle range for this powder.

A lot of people have reported issues with the CFE, mostly inconsistent grouping. I think this is because of the primers they are using. The Federal Match primer is very consistent and I believe just gives a better burn. The powder does shoot pretty clean, although I still think European Powders are slightly cleaner shooting. No feedback on the copper removal, as I had just cleaned the rifle and have not cleaned it since the shoot.

[Zombie Steve]

Glad you found some good accurate loads. I'd be shocked if you're breaking 2,800 fps with a 16" barrel and 25 grains (the Hodgdon site starts at 26 grains with a 55 grain soft point). It's likely they tested in a 20-24" barrel, although the site doesn't say what they used. A good chrono is a wonderful thing.

Let us know how the CFE powder works over time. I'm curious how much copper fouling you really wind up with.

[SA Friday]

The powder charges are consistent with Varget powder charges for both the 55gr and 77gr bullets I've built in the past for very accurate loads. I haven't looked at the loading charts for this powder, but be careful moving up from where you are now and don't be surprised if you start having pierced primers. It's a common problem with the Fed match primers out of an AR when you get to max charges.

BTW, Ironically I get the least std deviation from Wolf SRPs and no piercing problems.

[dwalker460]

I was using the following data as Hodgon did not have data for the VMax specifically

55 GR. SPR SP Hodgdon CFE 223 .224" 2.200" 26.0 3133 43,300 PSI 27.8 3329 51,300 PSI

The 25gr powder load was a typo, it was meant to be 26.5

I do believe it is near 3100fps out of the 16" barrel.

I have had good luck with the Wolf primers as well, but my buddy John swears by the Federal Match and personally I think they are about equal.

[Musashi]

Going to bring another thread back to life...I am starting to reload 223 and have Varget on hand and was wondering what everybody thought about the CFE 223 that has used it? Is it worth messing with or should I just stick with the Varget since it has some many uses.
I am going to be reloading a variety of .224 projectiles to find what my rifle likes, from 55 grain on up.

[Great-Kazoo]

Going to bring another thread back to life...I am starting to reload 223 and have Varget on hand and was wondering what everybody thought about the CFE 223 that has used it? Is it worth messing with or should I just stick with the Varget since it has some many uses.
I am going to be reloading a variety of .224 projectiles to find what my rifle likes, from 55 grain on up.

Only way to know is try it. I like 2230, tac and x-terminator for 223, that's the only rifle round i load for. For pistol i like TG and H110

[Musashi]

Thanks just curious if there was any of us that had given it a shot.
This first round will just be plain old Varget and some 55 grainers
77 grainers to come next, maybe I will give TAC a try.

[SA Friday]

Depends on what I'm making the rounds for. accuracy rounds with match bullets get Varget. Bulk bang-bang rounds in mixed brass with 55 gr bullets get TAC. Bulk 69gr bullets get's Tac too. Varget is more accurate, but if I'm going to shoot something like Hoser's tactical match, the 69 bulk really shines.

[jerrymrc]

Thanks just curious if there was any of us that had given it a shot.
This first round will just be plain old Varget and some 55 grainers
77 grainers to come next, maybe I will give TAC a try.

My experience with Varget and 55's led me to believe that a scale or powder measure is not needed. Fill case, jam in bullet and shoot. In other words there is not enough case volume for 55's. IMO it is a waste to use Varget on the lighter bullets. Many good powders for the 55 on down for .223 I like WC844/WC846 AA2460/2230.

[Musashi]

Well I am looking at loading some 55 grain plinkers for screwing around and classes but I also want an accurate load for some of the heavier bullets and trying to get a feel. I have the Hornady, Speer and Sierra books but figured I would ask around. All these will be fired from a Daniel Defense rifle or a 16" BCM rifle.


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